• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bureau of Fire Protection said May 7 that a 79-year-old female died, while her 62-year-old husband sustained first-degree burns when a fire engulfed their house in Purok Maanyag 2, Brgy. Alijis, Bacolod Wednesday night.
The residential fire, reported at around 10 p.m. May 6, destroyed four houses and damaged two others, with estimated damage placed at P35,000, and six families, or 15 individuals affected, the BFP Bacolod said.
It also identified the fatality as Rosa Magbanua, while her husband, Jose, sustained first-degree burns on his back.
The fire, caused by lithium battery explosion, started at the house owned by Flordeliza Lazalita, Fire Insp. Jemarie Tapiru, deputy city fire marshal, said in an Aksyon Radyo report.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, in a statement, said the city government “views this loss as a profound tragedy”, and took note that the “final, selfless act (of the septuagenarian) was ensuring that her husband reached safety before she tragically succumbed to the blaze.”
He extended sincerest sympathies to the victims, especially to the bereaved family. “The city stands ready to provide necessary support during this period of grief and recovery.”
The mayor also urged everyone to remain vigilant in keeping homes and families safe.
Meanwhile, two houses and two sari-sari stores were destroyed in a fire in Purok Magnolia along 16th Lacson Street, Brgy. 7, Bacolod, at around 2 a.m. May 7.
Estimated damage stood at around P975,000, with three families, or 18 individuals affected, the Bacolod BFP said. | CGC
